Torre Monumental, Buenos Aires : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 21 Jun, 2023
- |
Welcome to this blog exploring the Torre Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina. While it was originally built as a symbol of British power during the country’s period of control, in more recent years it has become a popular tourist attraction and a beloved symbol of the city. Get ready to delve into the fascinating history and interesting facts about the Torre Monumental, as well as useful travel information for visitors hoping to experience this iconic Argentine monument.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Torre Monumental, Buenos Aires
1. The Torre Monumental was built in 1923 as a gift to the city of Buenos Aires by the people of England to commemorate the centenary of Argentina’s independence.
2. For many years it was known as the “Torre Inglesa” or “English Tower” until the Falklands War of 1982 when its name was changed to honor the fallen British troops.
3. The first Argentine president to be inaugurated in the newly renamed tower was Raul Alfonsin in 1983.
4. The building was designed in a mix of neoclassical Italian and French Renaissance styles. It features a Roman temple inspired pediment flanked by two caryatids.
5. The dome is made of cast iron and measures a whopping 10 meters in diameter.
6. In the early 1990s, the tower became the site of a large rally to protest the closing of the nearby British embassy.
7. The tower also houses a small museum dedicated to the history of the British-Argentine relationship.
8. After undergoing extensive renovation in 2015, the structure is now home to the Museum of Immigration.
History & Information About Torre Monumental, Buenos Aires
Torre Monumental, also known as Torre de los Ingleses (Tower of the English), is a clock tower located in the heart of the Retiro neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was built in 1916 as a gift from the local British community to the city of Buenos Aires on the centennial identity of Argentina.
The neoclassical tower was designed by Scottish architect Ernest Williamel and is 79 meters (260 ft) tall. It is composed of a road-level entrance at its base, a second floor with a clock, and the 20-meter (66-ft) high copper dome atop. The tower is crowned by a 2.5-meter (8.2-ft) high metal figure of Britannia, the female embodiment of the British Isles.
Inside the tower, at its uppermost level, there is a bronze bell that chimes every half hour and is accompanied by four additional bronze bells. The clock was made in London’s famous clockmaker’s factory, Dent and Co.
The Monumental Tower opens daily to the public between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and is considered one of the most important landmarks of the city.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Torre Monumental, Buenos Aires
, Argentina
Torre Monumental, or Fundación Torre Monumental, is an iconic clock tower set in Cerrito Hill, the only sister to a British maritime clock tower, located in the south of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The tower is close to the banks of La Plata River, and its stunning backdrop is La Plata downtown. It is an impressive structure, with ornamental details that make it even more attractive. It stands tall and proud at 91 meters, with 10 floors and a top tower that needs to be visited.
Getting There
The best way to get to Torre Monumental is by train, taking the Línea Mitre service from Retiro station to Avellaneda station, which is the closest. Then, you can walk down La Plata Avenue until you find the entrance to the tower. The walk is about 15 minutes long and you can see a lot of landmarks along the way. You can also take a taxi or an Uber, which should cost around 40 Argentinian Pesos.
Opening Hours and Admission Fees
The Torre Monumental is open from Mondays to Fridays, from 9 am to 5 pm. The admission fee for adults costs 120 ARS and includes an audio guide in English. Children from seven to twelve years old get a reduced fee of 60 ARS and those under seven can visit for free. There’s also the option of a three-hour guided tour of the tower and its surroundings for 320 ARS.
What to See
The Torre Monumental is full of interesting points of interest. Start your visit on the top floor, where you can admire incredible views of the city and find a café to rest. On the sixth floor, entrance hall is located the reading room, a detailed clock and beautiful stained glass ceiling that will captivate you. The other floors hold exhibitions, multimedia tours, and pictures about the life of the tower.
Nearby Attractions
Along with visiting the tower, you should check out some of the nearby attractions. The best is probably the Museo Histórico Nacional de la Revolución de Mayo, located in Centenario Park and open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. You can also go to La Plata Square, which is quite an impressive sight. There, you can look at sculptures and flower gardens and admire the architecture of some of the surrounding buildings. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Puente De La Plata bridge, which crosses La Plata river and offers a nice view.
There are many other attractions to explore in and around Buenos Aires, but Torre Monumental is definitely a must-see. Admire its impressive architecture, its history, and the breathtaking views of the city. It’s sure to be a memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Torre Monumental, Buenos Aires
Q. What is Torre Monumental?
A. Torre Monumental is a clock tower in the Retiro district of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was originally built as a gift to the British residents of the city, and is also known as Torre de los Ingleses (Tower of the English).
Q. What is the history of Torre Monumental?
A. Construction on Torre Monumental began in 1916 under the orders of President Victorino de la Plaza. It was designed by the British architects Henry Hunt and Charles Ohman and was inaugurated on July 2nd, 1918. The clocktower was named the Torre de los Ingleses (Tower of the English) to symbolize the goodwill between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
Q. How tall is Torre Monumental?
A. The tower stands at 67 meters (220 feet) tall and is the tallest structure in the Retiro district.
Q. How can I visit Torre Monumental?
A. Visitors must enter through Avenida Montanas Rocallosas and may access the tower through the visitor center. The visitor center offers guided tours and an observation deck with panoramic views of the city.